A quick review on some gear that has worked really well for me as a long distance cyclist. I purchased my first Selle AnAtomica early in 2008. I had about 70 miles on the saddle before doing my first double century, Solvang Spring Double. The saddle was amazingly comfortable after riding 13.5 hours. Following this ride I rode thousands of miles on this saddle, including a 9 day loaded bike tour, 3 more double centuries, and countless centuries and training rides.

Over the years I had tightened the saddle to the full extent of the expander bolt, to the point the bolt was bending upwards. This past weekend I rode the Bass Lake Powerhouse Double. I really wanted to avoid a major repair to my bike like a new saddle just before the big event but circumstances kind of forced my hand. I was starting to droop in the saddle, my bike fit was starting to be effected, and I was afraid I might start hitting the top of the seat post. So I bit the bullet and ordered a new Titanico X in white with black rivets. I went with the X for its extra stiffness and durability.

The saddle is a beauty and rode like a champ. First ride out was a 16 hour, solo, 200 mile ride with over 10K of climbing. No complaints at all on the saddle. I am a super happy customer!

Interesting - I bought the non-X Titanico during a sale earlier this spring, and it was comfy right out of the box. However, it stretched insanely over the next four months until I had maxed out the tension bolt. I'm 135 lbs, so nowhere near hitting their recommended limit.

The company did great on taking it back and sending out a new one. However, they replaced it with the Titanico X. ( Why? I don't know. ) I've found the X to be *much* less comfortable than the basic Titanico - so much that it's been relegated to my backup bike. It's fine for rides up to 20 miles or so, but after that it's like riding on a board. The non-X was good for the limit of my usual riding, which is generally 60-70 miles.

Worknomore

10-21-12 05:41 PM

My Titanico also was super comfy right out of the box. My too ran out of adjustment within the warranty period. I'm 190. I requested it be replaces with the X. It was not comfy out of the box but after about 200mile breakin if feels fine and no retensioning every other ride. Looks like this one should hold up well. I am very pleased that after many years riding and a whole bushel basket of cast off saddles I finally have one that disappears underneath me.

c.miller64

10-24-12 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Worknomore
(Post 14865208)

My Titanico also was super comfy right out of the box. My too ran out of adjustment within the warranty period. I'm 190. I requested it be replaces with the X. It was not comfy out of the box but after about 200mile breakin if feels fine and no retensioning every other ride. Looks like this one should hold up well. I am very pleased that after many years riding and a whole bushel basket of cast off saddles I finally have one that disappears underneath me.

It's been my experience that, due to their design, these saddles don't really have a "break-in" period. If they don't feel good right out of the box then it's usually either a saddle tilt issue, or a tension issue. Yours probably stretched slightly from new and is now at the correct tension for you. I would recommend that you find a way to measure the tension now so that you can replicate it in the future should you need to adjust, or if you purchase another saddle. I use a straightedge and ruler (with 5lb weight on top) and measure the drop in the saddle at dead center and I'm able to repeat my setup consistently.

Road Fan

10-28-12 10:24 AM

I think tension measurement has to do with repeatible setting of the tension bolt. I would count carefully how many turns, including fractions, it takes to return the bolt to the as-new condition, write that down, then carefully turn it back out. Over several S-As, I've found the same setting is close to correct for the three saddles I own.

If I bought a new one, I'd start the set-up process all over again, due to potentially different leather and design properties in the new ones versus the ones from Tom Miller's days. In my experience, finding that hammocky setup can be tricky.

ILClyde

11-13-12 05:16 PM

Just got my X today. Mounted it and headed out. Only had time for 20 miles but ... holy crap is this thing comfortable. I don't think I've got the tilt quite where I want it, but wow.

Coluber42

11-21-12 08:16 PM

My better half got a (I think) non-X one last summer and installed it the day we started on a 3-week tour. He's around 150 lbs and we had rain for part of the day one time over the whole three weeks, but by the end of the trip he'd already run out of tension bolt and could feel the top part of the seatpost when he hit bumps. He said it was basically comfortable for the duration of the trip aside from the stretching issue. I don't think he ever bothered to complain; he was so annoyed at having bought a saddle that lasted for all of three weeks that he wanted nothing more to do with them.

joewein

11-22-12 12:12 AM

Leather saddles can be very comfortable, but they are not as low maintenance as plastic ones.

Riding a wet leather saddle, especially if not treated with Proofide or other saddle oil yet, is definitely not good for it. Either protect the saddle from getting wet, or let it dry before riding it again. Riding while wet will gradually overstretch and ruin it. I keep a plastic shopping bag stuffed inside the saddle for when I need one, others use shower caps. I also put mud guards (fenders) on my bike if I go out when there's any chance of rain. This not only keeps muddy water off my back and my jersey clean, but also protects the saddle from splashes.

fietsbob

11-22-12 12:35 AM

Selle AnAtomica is supposedly water resistant treated, .
though our Japanese poster, above, may not be aware of that..
maybe the claim is exaggerated, IDK.

I treated my Brooks Pro by saturating it in Proofide. in a warm oven
it soaks it up like a sponge.

got 25 years of use out of it , so far..

c.miller64

11-22-12 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fietsbob
(Post 14973737)

Selle AnAtomica is supposedly water resistant treated, .
though our Japanese poster, above, may not be aware of that..
maybe the claim is exaggerated, IDK.

The watershed designed saddles are treated, but due to the weight of the rider, it's quite possible that they were riding a legacy saddle that doesn't have the watershed treatment. Riding that saddle in the rain without waterproofing, and adjusting while wet will destroy it pretty quickly. Ive ridden over 40k miles on SA watershed saddles without any treatment or problems due to them getting wet. And with living in Florida I've done my share of riding in the rain.

dwmckee

01-09-13 09:10 PM

I have a Titanico (black and I love it) and a new Titanico X (mahogany). I do not have a love affair with the Titanico X though. It is far stiffer and hard to find a comfort spot. It does not flex for me like the regular Titanico. So far I like the regular titanico much more even though it needs more adjustments. I weigh 205 pounds by the way and am 53 years old.